The engaged couple has many decisions to make, such as wedding expenses, the costs for the honeymoon, and where they plan to live. Money is a great discussion to have before they walk down the aisle. Everything must be laid out on the table about their past finances, debt, student loans, child support (if this applies) and of course salary and bonuses. We marry our spouses financial habits. If one has a poor credit history, credit card debt, these areas must be addressed and rectified. Avoid arguments about past mistakes and realize the past is the past. Setting new patterns and new habits together will be the best approach to setting new goals for the future. Agree to be transparent moving forward with a joint house account, and separate personal account for each mate. Each pay period should be a time to discuss the plans for the month and remember to set aside savings for emergencies. Most important, living below your means are words to live by to reduce debt and begin to save for the future. Newlyweds need to know marriage is hard word and money is a crucial area for agreement and understanding.
https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/getting-married-time-to-talk-about-money/
Rev. Dr. Donna Taylor is the Pastor of Andrew Chapel, United Methodist Church on the Northern Neck in Montross, VA. Rev. Dr. Taylor promotes best practices for financial literacy and financial empowerment in the church and leads workshops throughout Northern Virginia. Currently, she serves as the Chair of the District Finance Committee. In May 2015, Rev. Dr. Taylor received her Doctor of Ministry from Virginia University of Lynchburg in Lynchburg, VA. Rev. Dr. Donna Taylor is married to Dr. David Taylor, who is also the Director of our church-based free clinic. They have two adult children and three grandchildren. In her leisure time, Rev. Dr. Taylor enjoys traveling, jogging, weightlifting, swimming, yoga, and interior decorating. In May 2015, Rev. Dr. Taylor received her Doctor of Ministry from Virginia University of Lynchburg in Lynchburg, Virginia. Rev. Dr. Taylor was born and raised in New York City and recently discovered her ancestral roots in Guinea-Bissau, West Africa. Rev. Dr. Donna Taylor is married to David Taylor and they have a son and a daughter. Their daughter is a educator and son is an Active-Duty Senior Seaman in the Navy married with three children. In her leisure time, she enjoys traveling, reading, swimming, writing poetry, crocheting and spending time with her family.